About the Department The Department of Education supports every Victorian child and young person to access a great education and the opportunity to thrive. We lead early childhood and school education across the state to improve learning, development and wellbeing outcomes. The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), part of the Department, oversees Victoria's largest education infrastructure program. We design, build and maintain schools, kindergartens and early learning centres, creating safe, modern environments that support communities across Victoria. Our work includes delivering new schools, upgrading existing ones, and supporting a major pipeline of early childhood infrastructure to enable two years of funded kindergarten for all Victorian children. About the Division The Project Delivery Division is responsible for delivering educational infrastructure projects, including the acquisition and management of land as well as delivery of capital infrastructure projects. This includes upgrade and modernisation projects on existing school sites as well as new schools infrastructure. This involves greater information sharing between State and local government to build a better understanding of current and future State-wide demand, exploring a variety of response options, and providing targeted support where the existing market is not able to respond About the Role This is a newly established role reflecting a strengthened focus on safety, accountability and assurance across VSBA's growing infrastructure portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director, Project Delivery, the Senior Safety Manager – Infrastructure Programs provides strategic leadership on safety governance, assurance and performance. The role works closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure VSBA meets its legislative obligations and demonstrates strong due diligence. Operating across a complex portfolio, including contractor-delivered works in live school and early childhood environments, the role will establish and continuously improve systems and frameworks that support safe delivery. A key focus is embedding a practical and consistent approach to safety across VSBA, strengthening capability, supporting informed decision-making and building a positive, sustainable safety culture. Key accountabilities * Lead the design and continuous improvement of safety systems, governance and controls * Translate legislative requirements into practical, fit-for-purpose processes * Strengthen officer due diligence capability, including at senior leadership level * Provide strategic advice to the Executive Director and ELT on safety risk and accountability * Lead assurance activities, including audits, reviews and performance reporting * Drive continuous improvement using insights from incidents, risks and data * Build capability and shared understanding of safety responsibilities * Partner across VSBA, the Department and delivery partners to deliver consistent safety outcomes About you You bring a practical, context-aware approach to safety and focus on embedding it into how work is done. You can interpret complex environments and influence through systems, governance and capability, creating approaches that are sustainable and effective. You will also bring: * Strategic thinking with a practical delivery focus * Sound judgement in complex, high-accountability environments * Strong executive communication and influence * Experience building capability and driving cultural change * A collaborative, relationship-focused approach * A commitment to continuous improvement and learning Desirable Qualifications and Experience * Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in safety, construction or related fields * Experience designing and improving safety systems and governance frameworks * Experience applying legislative requirements in complex environments * Experience advising senior leaders on safety risk and obligations * Experience in infrastructure, construction or asset-intensive environments * Experience leading assurance, audit or compliance activities * Strong stakeholder engagement experience We value diverse experience and encourage applications from candidates with transferable capability. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au. For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Amanda Smith, Executive Director, Project Delivery via Amanda.smith11@education.vic.gov.au. Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 26 May 2026.